NSW implored to wear masks, ‘don’t panic buy’

Residents of NSW are being begged to resume mask wearing and resist the urge to strip supermarket shelves bare again.

New South Wales residents are being implored to wear masks outside the home and resist the urge to panic buy as the ballooning COVID-19 cluster prompts the resumption of strict social distancing rules.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian confirmed 30 new locally-acquired cases in Sydney’s Northern Beaches on Sunday and announced caps on gatherings for Greater Sydney, including no more than 10 people at a home at any one time until midnight on Wednesday.

Singing and chanting indoors is not allowed, only a maximum of 20 people can dance at weddings, and everyone in the state is strongly urged to wear masks when outside the home, particularly when shopping.

“If you are going grocery shopping anywhere in New South Wales please wear a mask,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“If you are going to a place of worship anywhere in New South Wales, please wear a mask.

“If you’re going into an indoor setting or anywhere where social distancing can’t be maintained, please wear a mask.

“Obviously if you are exercising with your household group, et cetera, that is not necessary.”

There has been a notable increase in Sydneysiders wearing masks. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Flavio Brancaleone

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the visible increase in the use of masks across the Northern Beaches had been very good but it made sense for people across the whole of Greater Sydney to also do so “at least for the next few days”.

“But it may well be wise to wear those masks going through Christmas, New Year in the Greater Sydney area,” he said.

He acknowledged some people could not for health reasons.

Asked why masks had not been made mandatory, NSW chief health officer Kerry Chant said it was ultimately in the hands of people in the state.

The Premier is urging Greater Sydney residents not to repeat the panic buying seen in March. Picture: James Gourley/AAP

“Even when I have been driving I have seen incredible increase in mask wearing,” she said.

“People have sent me photos of supermarkets where the vast majority of people are wearing a mask.

“So we have had a lot of co-operation from both the community and business.”

Ms Berejiklian stressed there was “absolutely no need” to panic buy.

“Supermarkets ... will continue to remain open no matter what, whether it is the Northern Beaches or outside the Northern Beaches,” she said.

“And, for heaven’s sake, do not get on public transport unless you are wearing a mask.

“We can’t stress that enough.”